🌿 Folk Prescriptions

At over ninety years old, Qian Weichang, Chancellor of Shanghai University and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is truly a legendary figure. As early as the 1960s, he was jointly recognized by Premier Zhou Enlai with Qian Xuesen and Qian Sanqiang as one of China’s outstanding scientists known as the “Three Qians.” He is also currently the oldest university chancellor still serving in China.
Since university days, Qian Weichang has consistently practiced physical exercise for decades. Even now, he remains unwavering in his daily routine. He says: “Don’t live off your body’s ‘capital.’”
At seventy, Qian Weichang focused on long-distance running. Now at ninety, although long runs are no longer suitable, he still insists on walking three thousand steps every day.
Thanks to consistent physical exercise, Qian Weichang maintains excellent physical and mental health. Recently, Shanghai University held a “Qian Weichang Cup” college football tournament to celebrate his ninetieth birthday. Qian personally drafted the competition rules and funded the trophy. At the closing ceremony, he enthusiastically awarded prizes to students and delivered a speech lasting over an hour on football and physical exercise.
When asked about longevity secrets, Qian believes relying on medicine, dietary therapy, or genetics are merely auxiliary measures. He emphasizes: longevity fundamentally depends on oneself.
First, believe in yourself.
Scientific research suggests humans could live up to 150 years. Yet most people only reach under 90. Human lifespan potential is vast and can be unlocked through innate and acquired qualities. To achieve this, one must first have confidence. Some people misdiagnosed with cancer lose faith, collapse mentally, and die despite having no serious illness. Conversely, others facing terminal illness accept reality calmly, fight relentlessly, and miraculously survive. Confidence is a vital source of longevity.
Second, convince yourself.
The moon waxes and wanes; people face fortune and misfortune. Life’s hardships inevitably bring emotional highs and lows. Without control, they harm longevity. Many people drown in emotional turmoil, unable to recover, ultimately ending their lives prematurely. Their tragedy lies in failing to convince themselves. Learn to persuade yourself: don’t get angry over losses; understand the philosophy that “good fortune harbors ill luck, and bad luck contains good fortune.” Adjust your mindset during difficulties, truly mastering your fate. This builds a psychological foundation for longevity.
Third, discover yourself.
People easily discover the world and others, but often overlook themselves. There lies immense untapped potential in life. One who discovers themselves can constantly adjust, transform, and renew themselves, thus developing, growing, and strengthening. This enables overcoming challenges, defeating illness, and ultimately achieving longevity.
Fourth, conquer yourself.
Admiring others, imitating them, ignoring one’s own social role—this is a common flaw. Only by conquering oneself can one remain unfazed by changing seasons, clouds drifting by, and face adversity, suffering, and misfortune with indomitable will, singing boldly: “I really want to live five hundred more years!”
Finally, Qian Weichang said: Physical exercise must be persistent because sports are part of life. It gives people unyielding willpower. Only with a complete life can one diligently study, strive for innovation, and have the energy to pursue goals—thereby contributing to the nation.